Cosmetic container identifier system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is disclosed that includes a container with a first end defining an opening, the opening providing access to an inner cavity of the container. In addition, an applicator having a end cap and an applicator portion is disclosed, wherein the applicator is removably attachable to the opening of the container. An indicator is positioned on the end cap of the applicator, the indicator identifying a type of applicator portion of the applicator. An example of a type of applicator portion identified b the indicator may be an applicator portion configured to apply mascara, lip gloss, eyeliner or blush to a face of a user.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to cosmetic containers, and more particularly to identifying aspects of cosmetic containers using an indicator.

Cosmetics are available for an individual to apply to different parts of a body. For example, some women use a different type of cosmetic on different parts of their face. These cosmetics may include mascara, lip liner, lipstick, lip gloss, eyeliner, and many others. Many of these cosmetics tend to fit in similarly sized and shaped containers. Some containers include multiple reservoirs that allow multiple types of cosmetic products to be stored within a single container. As a result, greater difficulty and time is required by the user to determine features of the particular container, including the type of applicator and/or the type of make-up contained therein.

SUMMARY

A cosmetic container identification system is provided. In particular, the present disclosure utilizes an identification system to allow a user to more easily identify the type of applicator and/or make-up within the cosmetic container. The indicator on the cosmetic container may include, as one example, eyelashes that indicate to the user the type of applicator contained within the container is a mascara brush.

An apparatus is also provided herein. The apparatus comprising a container with a first end defining an opening, the opening providing access to an inner cavity of the container; an applicator having a end cap and an applicator portion, the applicator being removably attachable to the opening of the container; and an indicator positioned on the end cap of the applicator, the indicator identifying a type of applicator portion of the applicator.

Another apparatus is provided herein, the apparatus comprising a container; a plurality of applicators configured to be insertable into the container; and an indicator on at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of applicators, at least one indicator representing a characteristic of the respective applicator.

A kit is also provided herein. The kit includes components for assembly, including a container; a first applicator removably attachable to the container, the first applicator including a first end cap and a first applicator portion; and a first indicator positioned at least partially on the first end cap of the first applicator, the first indicator identifying a first type of the first applicator portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container and applicator assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2D are examples of different applicator assemblies with indicators in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 3A-3C is a dual container with multiple applicator assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure.

Like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure taken in connection with the accompanying figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure.

Also, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The cosmetic container identification system described herein includes make-up container 102 and applicator assembly 112. The applicator assembly 112 includes an end cap 120, a connecting rod 130 and an applicator portion 140. End cap 120 of applicator assembly 120 includes indicator 124 that identifies a type of applicator portion 140 and/or a type of make-up contained within container 102. This indicator system is advantageous when a user has multiple make-up products and is unsure which applicator and/or make-up is in a particular container. For example, the user may have numerous containers and applicators for applying mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, etc., and if the user needs to put on mascara, a particular mascara applicator is required. In this regard, by using the indicator on the end cap of the applicator assembly, the user can quickly and easily identity and use the makeup applicator she desires.

Container 102 is defined as a tubular body with a cavity therein to store a cosmetic product. The cosmetic product stored within container 102 is not limited to any particular type, but may include eyeliner, lip liner, lip gloss, mascara, blush, cover-up, etc. Container 102 also includes opening 110 that provides access to the cavity of container 102. Container 102 also includes first connecting mechanism 104 that is adapted to removably attach to applicator assembly 112 that is inserted into a cavity of container 102. First connecting mechanism 104 may be, for example, a press-fit or screw-fit mechanism.

Applicator assembly 112 is adapted to removably attach to container 102. For instance, end cap 120 includes second connecting mechanism 122 that removably attaches to first connecting mechanism 104 of container 102, such as via a press-fit or screw-fit mechanism. Applicator assembly 112 further includes connecting rod 130 that extends longitudinally from end cap 120. Connecting rod 130 includes applicator portion 140 positioned at an end opposite end cap 120. In the illustrated example, applicator portion 140 is defined as bristles 142 configured to apply make-up. In this example, bristles 142 are adapted to apply mascara to eyelashes. Other applicator portions 140 are available as well such as applicator portions that are configured to apply lip liner or blush to the face of the user.

End cap 120 also includes indicator 124 to identify a particular applicator portion 140 attached to applicator assembly 112. In this example, indicator 124 depicts eyelashes of an eye. In this regard, indicator 124 indicates to the user that applicator portion 140 is a mascara applicator. For example, applicator portion 140 includes bristles 142 that are specifically designed to be applied to eyelashes. Although, in FIG. 1 indicator 124 is an icon, indicator 124 may also be a symbol, letter, number, picture or any type of representation that is capable of providing an indication to the user of the type of applicator portion 140 therein.

In addition, indicator 124 is not restricted to a particular icon and applicator portion 140 is not restricted to a particular type of applicator. Rather, as a further example the indicator may include a pair of lips to identify lip gloss as the applicator portion.

As another example, indicator 124 is not restricted to identifying applicator portion 140, but may indicate other aspects of container 102 and/or applicator assembly 112 as well. For instance, indicator 124 may identify contents of container 102 or aspects thereof, such as a color or viscosity of the contents.

As farther examples, indicator 124 may identify whether the contents of container 102 is waterproof or not, any hazards or dangers associated with that particular type of cosmetic, the duration the make-up should last on the face of the user, etc. Examples of types of contents may include mascara, lip gloss, powder, blush or other cosmetic products.

Alternatively or in addition, the indicator may identify characteristics of applicator assembly 112 itself, such as a length, width, ruggedness and/or softness of applicator portion 140. These characteristics may pertain to applicator portion 140 itself or, for example, bristles 142 thereon. For instance, a user with sensitive eyelashes may desire softer mascara bristles than typically associated with a mascara applicator portion. As another example, the indicator may identify characteristics of connecting rod 130, such as its length or width.

As a further example, indicator 124 may identify a degree of compactness of bristles 142 or an amount of bristles 142 on applicator portion 140. As another example, indicator 124 may identify the curvature of the applicator portion, such as whether or not the applicator portion 140 is slightly curved for mascara, or if the applicator portion is straight. Even further, the indicator may identify the material of the applicator portion, such as if the material is rubber, fabric, plastic, etc. Indicator 124 may alternatively identify the shape of the applicator portion 140, such as if it is more spherical in nature, cylindrical, etc. Indicator 124 may also identify distinguishing characteristics about the particular applicator portion, such as if applicator assembly 112 vibrates or not.

As another example, if the applicator portion is eyeliner, the indicator may identify whether the eyeliner is a pencil eyeliner, liquid eyeliner, or a brush eyeliner dipped in cosmetic. Various characteristics about the eyeliner may be identified as well by the indicator, such as the viscosity of the eyeliner if in liquid form, the thickness or thinness of the eyeliner pencil, etc. Similarly, if the applicator portion is lipstick or lip gloss, the indicator may identify the thickness or thinness or softness of the applicator portion.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate applicators 201-204, each of which include different indicators 211-214 that identify corresponding applicator portions 221-224. For instance, indicator 211 represents a blush applicator for applicator portion 221, indicator 212 represents an eyeliner applicator for applicator portion 222, indicator 213 represents a lip gloss applicator for applicator portion 223, and indicator 214 represents a lipstick applicator for applicator portion 224. In the prior art without the indicators, if applicators 201-204 were inserted into container 102, the user would be unable to determine which applicator portion is contained within the respective container 102. With the use of indicators 211-214, however, the user is able to easily and properly identify the applicator they want.

Indicator 124 is not restricted to identifying a single characteristic of applicator assembly 112 or container 102. Rather, a single indicator may identify a plurality of characteristics about applicator assembly 112 and/or container 102. For example, indicator 124 may identify a type of applicator portion 140 and also a characteristic about the type of applicator portion. As one example, the type of applicator portion may be mascara, and the characteristic may be that the mascara brush is curved. Alternatively, indicator 124 may identify the type of applicator portion 140 and the color of the make-up product within container 102.

In the prior art, when an applicator assembly is inserted into a container the user is unable to determine the type of applicator therein. In situations where the user has a plurality of containers, whether the containers look alike or not, it may prove difficult, frustrating and time-consuming for the user to determine which make-up applicator is the one they need.

Further yet, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, there are situations where dual container 302 has multiple applicator assemblies 310 and 320 inserted therein. Here, the user may also be unable to determine which applicator assembly is the one they currently need without some identifier. Indicators 314 and 324 on end caps 312 and 322 easily resolves the problem for the user by identifying the particular applicator within dual container 302. By way of example only, indicators 314 and 324 represent mascara and lip gloss, respectively, as the applicators contained within container 302. It should be noted that, even if dual container 302 or container 102 discussed above is see-through, an indicator may still prove to be an easier manner in which a user can quickly and easily identify the applicator therein.

As another embodiment, the applicator assembly may include a plurality of indicators to indicate multiple aspects of the applicator assembly and/or container. For instance, applicator assembly 112 may include two indicators, such as eyelashes and a thin straight line adjacent thereto. These two indicators may indicate to the user that the applicator portion attached to the applicator is for mascara and that the mascara brush is relatively thin. Alternatively, if a thick straight line—relative to the thin straight line—were used as the second indicator, then the user would know that the applicator was a relatively thicker mascara brush.

At least one of the plurality of indicators may identify contents of container 102 or aspects thereof, such as a color or viscosity of the contents. The contents may include mascara, lip gloss, powder, or other cosmetic products. Alternatively or in addition, at least one of the plurality of indicators may identify characteristics of applicator assembly 112 itself such as a length, width, ruggedness and/or softness of applicator portion 140. These characteristics may pertain to applicator portion 140 itself or, for example, bristles 142 thereon.

As a further example, at least one of the plurality of indicators may identify a compactness of bristles 142 or an amount of bristles 142 on applicator portion 140. As another example, if the applicator portion is eyeliner, at least one of the plurality of indicators may identify whether the eyeliner is a pencil eyeliner, liquid eyeliner, or a brush eyeliner dipped in cosmetic. Various characteristics about the eyeliner may be identified as well by at least one of the plurality of indicators, such as the viscosity of the eyeliner if in liquid form, the thickness or thinness of the eyeliner pencil, etc. Similarly, if the applicator portion is lipstick or lip gloss, at least one of the plurality of indicators may identify the thickness or thinness or softness of the applicator portion. As another example, at least one of the plurality of indicators may identify characteristics of connecting rod 130, such as its length or width.

As a result of the foregoing, a user of make-up is able to quickly and easily identify the type of applicator contained in a cosmetic container. When the user has a plurality of make-up containers with different applicators in each one, the implementation of an indicator easily identifies for the user the applicator of which they need. Furthermore, the indicator is not restricted to identifying the applicator portion, but also characteristics of the applicator and/or container. These characteristics may range from the size, color, type (such as type of eyeliner), ruggedness, softness, thickness or thinness, or the contents of the container. As a further example, the present disclosure has uses beyond cosmetic containers to any type of container where a user needs to determine a characteristic of the container, such as the applicator portion. As one example, medical professionals, such as doctors, and patients may find it useful to be able to identify the type of applicator or other characteristic within a medicinal container.

While the above description contains many specifies, these specifics should not be construed as limitations of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other embodiments within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto. 

1. An apparatus, comprising: a container with a first end defining an opening, the opening providing access to an inner cavity of the container; an applicator having a end cap and an applicator portion, wherein the applicator is removably attachable to the opening of the container; and an indicator positioned on the end cap of the applicator, the indicator identifying a type of applicator portion of the applicator.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the type of applicator portion is one of a mascara applicator, a lip gloss applicator, a lipstick applicator, an eyeliner applicator, or a blush applicator.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second end defining a second opening, wherein a different applicator is removably attachable to the second opening, the different applicator containing a different indicator and a different type of applicator portion, wherein the different indicator identifies the different type of applicator portion.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indicator depicts at least a portion of an eye, lip, or cheek of a person, which identifies whether the applicator portion is configured to apply cosmetic to an eye, lip, or cheek of a user.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indicator further identifies a characteristic of the applicator portion.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the characteristic includes a shape, length, width, material, curvature, thickness, or softness of the applicator portion.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second indicator positioned on the end cap, the second indicator identifying a characteristic of the applicator portion.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the characteristic includes a shape, length, width, material, curvature, thickness, or softness of the applicator portion.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the type of applicator portion is eyeliner, and the characteristic of applicator portion is one of pencil eyeliner, liquid eyeliner, or brush eyeliner.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second indicator positioned on the end cap, the second indicator identifying a characteristic of a product inside the container.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the characteristic of the product is a color, viscosity, or location to apply the product on a body of a user.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indicator is an icon, symbol, letter, or number.
 13. An apparatus, comprising: a container; a plurality of applicators configured to be insertable into the container; and an indicator on at least on of the plurality of applicators, the indicator representing a characteristic of the respective applicator.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the characteristic represented by each indicator is one of mascara, lipstick, lip gloss, eyeliner or blush.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each indicator depicts at least a portion of an eye, lip, or cheek of a person, which identifies whether the applicator portion is configured to apply cosmetic to an eye, lip, or check of a user.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the indicator further identifies a second characteristic, the second characteristic relating to the applicator or container.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a second indicator positioned on at least a portion of each of the applicators, the second indicator identifying a second characteristic of the applicator.
 18. A kit including components for assembly, comprising: a container; a first applicator removably attachable to the container, the first applicator including a first end cap and a first applicator portion; and a first indicator positioned at least partially on the first end cap of the first applicator, the first indicator identifying a first type of the first applicator portion.
 19. The kit of claim 18, further comprising: a second applicator removably attachable to the container, the second applicator having a second end cap and a second applicator portion, the second applicator portion being different than the first applicator portion; and a second indicator positioned at least partially on the second end cap of the second applicator, the second indicator identifying a second type of the second applicator portion.
 20. The kit of claim 18, further comprising a second indicator at least partially positioned on the first end cap, the second indicator identifying a characteristic of either the container or the first type of the first applicator portion. 